High Concurrent Channels Magnetic Recording Head Having Same-Gap-Verify And High Density Interconnect

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises two modules, where each module comprises 64 writers, 64 readers, and three pairs of servo readers aligned with the 64 readers in a first row. The three pairs of servo readers comprise a first pair disposed at a first end of the first row, a second pair disposed between two groups of 32 readers, and a third pair disposed at a second end of the first row. The writers are disposed in a second row parallel to the first row, and are each aligned with an adjacent reader. The spacing between each reader and each writer is about 150 μm to about 200 μm. Each module is configured to write data to a tape using the 64 writers and to read verify the newly written data using the 64 readers.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a tape headand a tape drive including a tape head.

Description of the Related Art

Tape heads of tape drive systems are used to record and read backinformation on tapes by magnetic processes. Magnetic transducers of thetape heads read data from and write data onto magnetic recording media.Data is written on the magnetic recording media by moving a magneticwrite transducer to a location over the media where the data is to bestored. The magnetic write transducer then generates a magnetic field,which encodes the data into the magnetic media. Data is read from themedia by the magnetic read transducer through sensing of the magneticfield of the magnetic media.

To position the tape head accurately when reading from and writing to amagnetic tape, servo heads are used to read servo positioninginformation from servo tracks on the tape. The servo tracks comprisingthe positioning information are written to the tape once, at the mediafactory, at the beginning of the life of the tape. However, tapes maystretch and/or compress both in tape length and width over time,referred to as tape dimensional stability (TDS) effects, due to avariety of reasons, such as environmental causes like humidity andtemperature, workload, and general wear of the tape. As such, as thetape stretches and compresses, the positioning information in the servotracks may become outdated, thus making accurate positioning of the tapehead difficult.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a tape drive capable ofcompensating for tape dimensional stability effects.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive including atape head. The tape head comprises two modules, where each modulecomprises 64 writers, 64 readers, and three pairs of servo readersaligned with the 64 readers in a first row. The three pairs of servoreaders comprise a first pair disposed at a first end of the first row,a second pair disposed between two groups of 32 readers, and a thirdpair disposed at a second end of the first row. The writers are disposedin a second row parallel to the first row, and are each aligned with anadjacent reader. The spacing between each reader and each writer isabout 150 μm to about 200 μm. Each module is configured to write data toa tape using the 64 writers and to read verify the newly written datausing the 64 readers.

In one embodiment, a tape head comprises one or more modules, each ofthe one or more modules comprising: a first group of servo readersdisposed in a first row at a first end of the module, a first set of 32readers disposed in the first row adjacent to the first group of servoreaders, a second group of servo readers disposed in the first row, thefirst set of 32 readers being disposed between the first and secondgroups of servo readers, a second set of 32 readers disposed in thefirst row adjacent to the second group of servo readers, a third pair ofservo readers disposed in the first row, the second set of 32 readersbeing disposed between the second and third groups of servo readers, and64 writers disposed in a second row parallel to the first row.

In another embodiment, a tape head comprises a first module comprising:64 first readers disposed in a first row, 64 first writers disposed in asecond row adjacent to the first row, and a plurality of first servoreaders disposed in the first row, wherein at least two first servoreaders are disposed at a first end of the first row, at least two firstservo readers are disposed in a center of the first row, and at leasttwo first servo readers are disposed at a second end of the first rowopposite the first end. The tape head further comprises a second moduledisposed adjacent to the first module, the second module comprising: 64second readers disposed in a third row, 64 second writers disposed in afourth row adjacent to the third row, and a plurality of second servoreaders disposed in the third row, wherein at least two second servoreaders are disposed at a first end of the third row, at least twosecond servo readers are disposed in a center of the third row, and atleast two second servo readers are disposed at a second end of the thirdrow opposite the first end.

In yet another embodiment, a tape drive comprises a tape head, the tapehead comprising a first module comprising: a first pair of servo readersdisposed in a first row at a first end of the first module, a first setof 32 readers disposed in the first row adjacent to the first pair ofservo readers, a second pair of servo readers disposed in the first rowadjacent to the first set of 32 readers, a second set of 32 readersdisposed in the first row adjacent to the second pair of servo readers,a third pair of servo readers disposed in the first row adjacent to thesecond set of 32 readers, and a first row of 64 writers disposedparallel to the first row. The tape head further comprises a secondmodule disposed adjacent to the first module, the second modulecomprising: a fourth pair of servo readers disposed in a third row at afirst end of the second module, a third set of 32 readers disposed inthe third row adjacent to the fourth pair of servo readers, a fifth pairof servo readers disposed in the third row adjacent to the third set of32 readers, a fourth set of 32 readers disposed in the third rowadjacent to the fifth pair of servo readers, a sixth pair of servoreaders disposed in the third row adjacent to the fourth set of 32readers, and a second row of 64 writers disposed parallel to the thirdrow.

In yet another embodiment, a tape drive comprises a tape head, the tapehead comprising one or more modules, each of the one or more moduleshaving a length of at least 12 mm, each of the one or more modulescomprising: at least one first servo reader disposed in a first row at afirst end of the module, a first set of readers disposed in the firstrow adjacent to the at least one first servo reader, at least one secondservo reader disposed in the first row, the first set of readers beingdisposed between the at least one first servo reader and the at leastone second servo reader, a second set of readers disposed in the firstrow adjacent to the at least one second servo reader, at least one thirdservo reader disposed in the first row, the second set of readers beingdisposed between the at least one second servo reader and the at leastone third servo reader, and a plurality of writers disposed in a secondrow parallel to the first row. The tape drive further comprises acontroller coupled to the tape head, the controller configured tocontrol each module to write data to a tape using the plurality ofwriters and to read verify the newly written data using the first andsecond sets of readers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a perspective exploded view, a simplified topdown, and side profile view of a tape drive, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a tape head and tape that arealigned.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a media facing surface (MFS) view of same gapverify (SGV) modules, configured to dynamically tilt, according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 3C illustrates the SGV module FIG. 3A in a tilted configuration,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a MFS view of a tape head comprising two SGV modulesof either FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a plan view of portions of the SGV modules of thetape head of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate the tape head of FIGS. 4A-4B writing to a tape,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary servo pattern of the tape of Figuresaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 6B illustrates the tape head of FIG. 4 reading the servo pattern ofFIG. 6A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7A illustrates a graph showing mis-registration (nm) of the tapehead of FIGS. 4A-4B when tilted with respect to a tape for 32 tracks ofthe tape, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7B illustrates a graph showing mis-registration (nm) of the tapehead 400 of FIGS. 4A-4B when tilted with respect to a tape experiencingTDS effects when various different servo reader pairs are used toposition the tape head, according to one embodiment.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in oneembodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments withoutspecific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure.However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited tospecific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of thefollowing features and elements, whether related to differentembodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice thedisclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure mayachieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the priorart, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a givenembodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the followingaspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrativeand are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claimsexcept where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to“the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of anyinventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered tobe an element or limitation of the appended claims except whereexplicitly recited in a claim(s).

The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive including atape head. The tape head comprises two modules, where each modulecomprises 64 writers, 64 readers, and three pairs of servo readersaligned with the 64 readers in a first row. The three pairs of servoreaders comprise a first pair disposed at a first end of the first row,a second pair disposed between two groups of 32 readers, and a thirdpair disposed at a second end of the first row. The writers are disposedin a second row parallel to the first row, and are each aligned with anadjacent reader. The spacing between each reader and each writer isabout 150 μm to about 200 μm. Each module is configured to write data toa tape using the 64 writers and to read verify the newly written datausing the 64 readers.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a perspective exploded view, a simplified topdown, and side profile view of a tape drive 100, in accordance with someembodiments. The tape drive 100 may be a tape embedded drive (TED).

Focusing on FIG. 1B, for example, the tape drive comprises a casing 105,one or more tape reels 110, one or more motors (e.g., a stepping motor120 (also known as a stepper motor), a voice coil motor (VCM) 125, etc.)a head assembly 130 with one or more read heads and one or more writeheads, and tape guides/rollers 135 a, 135 b. In the descriptions herein,the term “head assembly” may be referred to as “magnetic recordinghead”, interchangeably, for exemplary purposes. Focusing on FIG. 1C, forexample, the tape drive further comprises a printed circuit boardassembly (PCBA) 155. In an embodiment, most of the components are withinan interior cavity of the casing, except the PCBA 155, which is mountedon an external surface of the casing 105. The same components areillustrated in a perspective view in FIG. 1A. In the descriptionsherein, the term “tape” may be referred to as “magnetic media”,interchangeably, for exemplary purposes.

In the illustrated embodiments, two tape reels 110 are placed in theinterior cavity of the casing 105, with the center of the two tape reels110 on the same level in the cavity and with the head assembly 130located in the middle and below the two tape reels 110. Tape reel motorslocated in the spindles of the tape reels 110 can operate to wind andunwind the tape media 115 in the tape reels 110. Each tape reel 110 mayalso incorporate a tape folder to help the tape media 115 be neatlywound onto the reel 110. One or more of the tape reels 110 may form apart of a removable cartridge and are not necessarily part of the tapedrive 100. In such embodiments, the tape drive 100 may not be a tapeembedded drive as it does not have embedded media, the drive 100 mayinstead be a tape drive configured to accept and access magnetic mediaor tape media 115 from an insertable cassette or cartridge (e.g., an LTOdrive), where the insertable cassette or cartridge further comprises oneor more of the tape reels 110 as well. In such embodiments, the tape ormedia 115 is contained in a cartridge that is removable from the drive100. The tape media 115 may be made via a sputtering process to provideimproved areal density. The tape media 115 comprises two surfaces, anoxide side and a substrate side. The oxide side is the surface that canbe magnetically manipulated (written to or read from) by one or moreread/write heads. The substrate side of the tape media 115 aids in thestrength and flexibility of the tape media 115.

Tape media 115 from the tape reels 110 are biased against theguides/rollers 135 a, 135 b (collectively referred to as guides/rollers135) and are movably passed along the head assembly 130 by movement ofthe reels 110. The illustrated embodiment shows four guides/rollers 135a, 135 b, with the two guides/rollers 135 a furthest away from the headassembly 130 serving to change direction of the tape media 115 and thetwo guides/rollers 135 b closest to the head assembly 130 by pressingthe tape media 115 against the head assembly 130.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the guides/rollers 135 utilizethe same structure. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, theguides/rollers 135 may have more specialized shapes and differ from eachother based on function. Furthermore, a lesser or a greater number ofrollers may be used. For example, the two function rollers may becylindrical in shape, while the two functional guides may be flat-sided(e.g., rectangular prism) or clip shaped with two prongs and the filmmoving between the prongs of the clip.

The voice coil motor 125 and stepping motor 120 may variably positionthe tape head(s) transversely with respect to the width of the recordingtape. The stepping motor 120 may provide coarse movement, while thevoice coil motor 125 may provide finer actuation of the head(s). In anembodiment, servo data may be written to the tape media to aid in moreaccurate position of the head(s) along the tape media 115.

In addition, the casing 105 comprises one or more particle filters 141and/or desiccants 142, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, to help maintain theenvironment in the casing. For example, if the casing is not airtight,the particle filters may be placed where airflow is expected. Theparticle filters and/or desiccants may be placed in one or more of thecorners or any other convenient place away from the moving internalcomponents. For example, the moving reels may generate internal airflowas the tape media winds/unwinds, and the particle filters may be placedwithin that airflow.

There is a wide variety of possible placements of the internalcomponents of the tape drive 100 within the casing 105. In particular,as the head mechanism is internal to the casing in certain embodiments,the tape media 115 may not be exposed to the outside of the casing 105,such as in conventional tape drives. Thus, the tape media 115 does notneed to be routed along the edge of the casing 105 and can be freelyrouted in more compact and/or otherwise more efficient ways within thecasing 105. Similarly, the head(s) 130 and tape reels 110 may be placedin a variety of locations to achieve a more efficient layout, as thereare no design requirements to provide external access to thesecomponents.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the casing 105 comprises a cover 150 and abase 145. The PCBA 155 is attached to the bottom, on an external surfaceof the casing 105, opposite the cover 150. As the PCBA 155 is made ofsolid state electronics, environmental issues are less of a concern, soit does not need to be placed inside the casing 105. That leaves roominside casing 105 for other components, particularly, the movingcomponents and the tape media 115 that would benefit from a moreprotected environment.

In some embodiments, the tape drive 100 is sealed. Sealing can mean thedrive is hermetically sealed or simply enclosed without necessarilybeing airtight. Sealing the drive may be beneficial for tape filmwinding stability, tape film reliability, and tape head reliability.Desiccant may be used to limit humidity inside the casing 105.

In one embodiment, the cover 150 is used to hermetically seal the tapedrive. For example, the drive 100 may be hermetically sealed forenvironmental control by attaching (e.g., laser welding, adhesive, etc.)the cover 150 to the base 145. The drive 100 may be filled by helium,nitrogen, hydrogen, or any other typically inert gas.

In some embodiments, other components may be added to the tape drive100. For example, a pre-amp for the heads may be added to the tapedrive. The pre-amp may be located on the PCBA 155, in the head assembly130, or in another location. In general, placing the pre-amp closer tothe heads may have a greater effect on the read and write signals interms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In other embodiments, some of thecomponents may be removed. For example, the filters 141 and/or thedesiccant 142 may be left out.

In various embodiments, the drive 100 includes controller 140 integratedcircuits (IC) (or more simply “a controller 140”) (e.g., in the form ofone or more System on Chip (SoC)), along with other digital and/oranalog control circuitry to control the operations of the drive. Forexample, the controller 140 and other associated control circuitry maycontrol the writing and reading of data to and from the magnetic media,including processing of read/write data signals and any servo-mechanicalcontrol of the media and head module. In the description below, variousexamples related to writing and reading and verifying of written data,as well as control of the tape head and media to achieve the same, maybe controlled by the controller 140. As an example, the controller 140may be configured to execute firmware instructions for the various samegap verify embodiments described below.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a tape head module assembly 200and a tape 204 that are aligned. The tape head module assembly 200comprises a tape head body 202 that is aligned with the tape 204. Thetape 204 moves past the tape head module assembly 200 during read and/orwrite operations. The tape head module assembly 200 has a media facingsurface (MFS) 214 that faces the tape 204. The tape head module assembly200 is coupled to a controller, which may be the controller 140 of FIG.1 .

The tape head body 202 comprises a first servo head 206A and a secondservo head 206B spaced therefrom. It is to be understood that while twoservo heads have been shown, the disclosure is not limited to two servoheads. Rather, it is contemplated that more or less servo heads may bepresent. A plurality of data heads 208A-208G is disposed between thefirst servo head 206A and the second servo head 206B. It is to beunderstood that while seven data heads have been shown, the disclosureis not limited to seven data heads. Rather, the number of data heads canbe more or less than seven, depending on the requirements of theembodiment. For example there can be sixteen, thirty two, sixty four ormore data heads utilized in the tape head body 202.

A plurality of pads 220A-220N is electrically coupled to the data headbody 202. The plurality of pads 220A-220N coupled to the data head body202 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 2 . Rather, more or lesspads are contemplated. The pads 220A-220N are used to connect the driveelectronics to the servo heads 206A, 206B and to data read and writerelements. The pads 220A-220N are used to establish the potential acrossthe servo reader by means of a power supply (not shown) embedded in thetape head 200.

The tape 204 comprises a first servo track 210A and a second servo track210B. The first servo track 210A and the second servo track 210B arespaced apart allowing the tape head 200 to monitor and control theaverage position of the data heads 208A-208G relative to the data tracks212A-212G on the tape 204. It is to be understood that while two servotracks have been shown, the disclosure is not limited to two servotracks. Rather, the number of servo tracks can be more or less than two,depending on the requirements of the embodiment.

The tape 204 further comprises a plurality of data tracks 212A-212Gdisposed between the first servo track 210A and the second servo track210B. It is to be understood that while seven data tracks have beenshown, the disclosure is not limited to the seven data tracks. Rather,the number of data tracks can be more or less than seven, depending onthe requirements of the embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , thefirst servo head 206A reads its lateral position information (e.g.,alignment) over the first servo track 210A. The second servo head 206Bis aligned with the second servo track 210B. The combined informationallows the servo actuator of the tape drive 200 to align the data heads208A-208G such that the center data track (e.g., 208D) is centered ontape 204. The plurality of data heads 208A-208G is thus individuallyaligned with the plurality of data tracks 212A-212N for best casepositioning. In this embodiment the first servo head 206A, the secondservo head 206B, the first servo track 210A, the second servo track210B, the plurality of data heads 208A-208G, and the plurality of datatracks 212A-212G are able to read and/or write the data accuratelybecause all are aligned perpendicular to the direction of travel of thetape 204.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a media facing surface (MFS) view of same gapverify (SGV) modules 300, 350, respectively, configured to dynamicallytilt, according to various embodiments. The SGV modules 300, 350 may beutilized within a tape drive comprising a controller, such as the TED ortape drive 100 of FIG. 1A. The SGV modules 300, 350 utilized with, or bea part of, the tape head module 200 of FIG. 2 . In FIGS. 3A-3B, the SGVmodules 300, 350 are shown in an un-tilted configuration. FIG. 3Cillustrates the SGV module 300 of FIG. 3A in a tilted configuration,according to one embodiment.

The SGV module 300 comprises a closure 302, one or more writetransducers 306 disposed adjacent to the closure 302, one or more readtransducers 308 disposed adjacent to the one or more write transducers306, and a substrate 304 disposed adjacent to the one or more readtransducers 308. The SGV module 350 comprises a closure 302, one or moreread transducers 308 disposed adjacent to the closure 302, one or morewrite transducers 306 disposed adjacent to the one or more readtransducers 308, and a substrate 304 disposed adjacent to the one ormore write transducers 306. Each of the one or more write transducers306 and the one or more read transducers 308 are disposed on thesubstrate 304. The write transducer(s) 306 may be referred to as awriter(s) 306 or write element(s) 306, and the read transducer(s) 308may be referred to as a reader(s) 308 or read element(s) 308.

While only one writer 306 and one reader 308 pair is shown in FIGS.3A-3B, the SGV module 300 may comprise a plurality of writer 306 andreader 308 pairs, which may be referred to as a head array. For example,in some embodiments, as discussed below, the SGV modules 300, 350 eachcomprises a head array of 64 writers 306 and 64 readers 308, forming 64writer 306 and reader 308 pairs, along with a plurality of servo readers(not shown).

In each of the SGV modules 300, 350, a writer 306 is spaced a distance310 from a reader 308 of about 6 μm to about 20 μm, such as about 6 μmto about 15 μm. In embodiments comprising a plurality of writer 306 anda plurality of reader 308 pairs, each writer 306 is spaced the distance310 from an adjacent paired reader 308. The closure 302 is spaced adistance 324 from the substrate 304 of about 20 μm to about 60 μm. Insome embodiments, a shield (not shown) is disposed between the writer306 and the reader 308 of each pair to reduce cross-talk signals to thereader 308 from the writer 306.

Each of the writers 306 comprises a first write pole P1 316 and a secondwrite pole P2 318. A notch 320 may be disposed on the P1 316. The notch320 is disposed adjacent to a write gap 326, where the P1 316 is spacedfrom the P2 318 by a distance in the x-direction at least twice thelength of the write gap 326. Each of the readers 308 comprises a firstshield S1 312, a second shield S2 314, and a magnetic sensor 328disposed between the S1 312 and the S2 314. The magnetic sensor 328 maybe a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, for example. In someembodiments, the distance 310 is measured from the write gap 326 to anMgO layer (not shown) of the magnetic sensor 328.

In the un-tilted configuration of FIGS. 3A-3B, the magnetic sensor 328is offset or unaligned from the paired write gap 326 in the y-direction.A centerline 322 of the write gap 326 is offset a distance 333 from acenterline of the magnetic sensor 328, or vice versa. The distance 333is between about 200 nm to about 2000 nm, such as about 1250 nm, and ischosen to give proper alignment when the SGV modules 300, 350 arestatically rotated. While the magnetic sensor 328 is described herein asbeing offset from the paired write gap 326 by the distance 333, thewrite gap 326 may instead be offset from the paired magnetic sensor 328by the distance 333. As such, the write gap 326 may be offset orunaligned from the paired magnetic sensor 328 in the -y-direction.

The magnetic sensor 328 of the reader 308 is offset the distance 333from the centerline 322 of the write gap 326 of the paired writer 306 toenable the SGV module 300 to tilt, as shown in FIG. 3C. In oneembodiment, the tape drive is configured to dynamically tilt each of theSGV modules 300, 350 in order to write to and read data from a tape orother magnetic media. Each SGV module 300, 350 is statically tilted inthe xy-direction about 1° to about 12°, such as about 6°, from thecenterline 322 to allow the reader 308 to align with the writer 306, asdemonstrated by line 321. Each SGV module 300, 350 is then placed in thetape drive at the nominal tilted angle, and the tape drive, or acontroller of the tape drive, is configured to make small dynamicchanges to the tilt angle of each SGV module 300, 350. For example, theSGV modules 300, 350 may tilt to accurately read data from a tape thathas been distorted or stretched. Tilting the SGV modules 300, 350enables correction of mis-registration caused by tape lateraldimensional changes. However, in some embodiments, the magnetic sensor328 of the reader 308 may be aligned with the write gap 326 of thepaired writer 306, for example, on the centerline 322.

In the SGV module 300 of FIG. 3A, when writing data to a tape or othermedia, the tape moves over the writer 306 in the writing direction 330(e.g., in the x-direction). In the SGV module 350 of FIG. 3B, whenwriting data to a tape or other media, the tape moves over the writer306 in the writing direction 331 (e.g., in the -x-direction). Due atleast in part to the distance 310 between the write gap 326 and themagnetic sensor 328 of a writer 306 and reader 308 pair, the writer 306is able to write to the media, and the reader 308 is able to read thedata to verify the data was written correctly when tilted, as shown byline 321. Thus, the writer 306 is able to write data to a portion of thetape, and the paired reader 308 is able to read verify the newly writtenportion of the tape immediately. As such, the SGV module 300 is able towrite data to and read verify data from a tape concurrently. The SGVmodule 350, similar constructed, also has this immediate verifycapability.

The SGV modules 300, 350 are each able to concurrently write and readdata due in part to the separation distance 310 between the write gap326 and the magnetic sensor 328 of a writer 306 and reader 308 pair. Thewrite gap 326 and magnetic sensor 328 are spaced far enough apart thatthe amplitude of signals in the reader 308 that arise from coupling ofmagnetic flux from the paired writer 306 is reduced or substantiallyless than the readback signal of the reader 308 itself.

As used herein, the SGV modules 300, 350 being able to “concurrently”write and read data refers to the fact that both the writer 306 and thereader 308 are concurrently turned “on” or able to operatesimultaneously with respect to various data written to a tape. However,it is to be noted that the writer 306 and the reader 308 are not“concurrently” operating on the same data at the same time. Rather, thewriter 306 first writes data, and as the tape moves over the reader 308,the reader 308 is then able to read verify the newly written data as thewriter 306 concurrently writes different data to a different portion ofthe tape. Furthermore, it is to be noted that a controller (not shown)is configured to operate the SGV modules 300, 350, and as such, thecontroller is configured to independently operate both the writer 306and the reader 308. Thus, while the writer 306 is described as writingdata and the reader 308 is described as reading the data, the controllerenables the writer 306 to write and enables the reader 308 to read.

FIG. 4A illustrates a MFS view of a tape head 400 comprising two SGVmodules 300 a, 300 b, according to one embodiment. The tape head 400 maybe utilized within a tape drive comprising a controller, such as the TEDor tape drive 100 of FIG. 1A. The SGV modules 300 a, 300 b may be theSGV module 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3C, or the SGV modules 300 a, 300 b maybe the SGV module 350 of FIG. 3B. The first and second SGV modules 300a, 300 b are disposed adjacent to and are aligned with one another inthe x-direction, the y-direction, and the z-direction. The first andsecond SGV modules 300 a, 300 b may be coupled together or spaced apart.

The first SGV module 300 a comprises 64 writers 306 a and 64 readers 308a. The 64 readers 308 a are aligned in a first row 441 a and the 64writers 306 a are aligned in a second row 443 a parallel to the firstrow 441 a. More specifically, the first SGV module 300 a comprises afirst set 442 a of 32 writers 306 a aligned or paired with 32 readers308 a, and a second set 442 b of 32 writers 306 a aligned or paired with32 readers 308 a. A pair of writers 306 a and readers 308 a may bereferred to more generally as a data element 307 or a data element 307a. While the writers 306 a and the readers 308 a are aligned, themagnetic sensor of the readers 308 a and the write gaps of the writers306 a may be offset or unaligned to allow the tape head 400 todynamically tilt the first SGV module 300 a, as discussed above. Each ofthe 64 writers 306 a is configured to write data concurrently, and eachof the 64 readers 308 a is configured to read data concurrently. Whileeach SGV module 300 a, 300 b is illustrated as comprising 64 writers 306a, 306 b and 64 readers 308 a, 308 b, the SGV modules 300 a, 300 b maycomprise a greater or fewer number of both writers 306 a, 306 b andreaders 308 a, 308 b.

A plurality of servo readers 440 a are aligned with the readers 308 a.The plurality of servo readers 440 a may also be referred to moregenerally as a data element 307. For instance, a first pair or group 436a of two servo readers 440 a are disposed at a first end 400 a of thefirst row 441 a, a second pair or group 436 b of two servo readers 440 aare disposed between the first set 442 a of readers 308 a and the secondset 442 b of readers 308 a, and a third group or pair 436 c of two servoreaders 440 a are disposed at a second end 400 b of the first row 441 aopposite the first end 400 a. While three groups 436 a, 436 b, 436 c oftwo servo readers 440 a are shown, each group 436 a, 436 b, 436 c maycomprise a greater or lesser number of servo readers 440 a. Furthermore,the second row 443 a of writers 306 a is spaced apart between the firstset 442 a and second set 442 b to accommodate for the space needed forthe second pair 436 b of servo readers 440 a.

Each of the 64 writers 306 a, 64 readers 308 a, and 6 servo readers 440a is surrounded by a first continuous surface 301 a of the module 300 a,a second continuous surface 301 b of the module 300 a, a thirdcontinuous surface 301 c of the module 300 a, and a fourth continuoussurface 301 d of the module 300 a, where the first, second, third, andfourth surfaces 301 a-301 d are connected together to form onecontinuous surface. In other words, the module 300 a comprising 64writers 306 a, 64 readers 308 a, and 6 servo readers 440 a is only onemodule, rather than two or more modules coupled together. As such, thedata elements 307 of the module 300 a are all disposed between onesubstrate and one closure, such as the substrate 304 and closure 302 ofFIGS. 3A-3B.

Similarly, the second SGV module 300 b comprises 64 writers 306 b and 64readers 308 b. The 64 writers 306 b are aligned in a third row 443 b andthe 64 readers 308 b are aligned in a fourth row 441 b parallel to thethird row 441 b. The third and fourth rows 441 b, 443 b are disposedparallel to the first and second rows 441 a, 443 a, as the first andsecond SGV modules 300 a, 300 b are disposed adjacent to one another.While the second row 443 a of writers 306 a of the first SGV module 300a is disposed adjacent to the third row 443 b of writers 306 b of thesecond SGV module 300 b, the first row 441 a of readers 308 a of thefirst SGV module 300 a may instead be disposed adjacent to the fourthrow 441 b of readers 308 b of the second SGV module 300 b.

The second SGV module 300 b comprises a first set 444 a of 32 writers306 b aligned or paired with 32 readers 308 b, and a second set 444 b of32 writers 306 b aligned or paired with 32 readers 308 b. A pair ofwriters 306 b and readers 308 b may be referred to as a data element 307or a data element 307 b. While the writers 306 b and the readers 308 bare aligned, the magnetic sensor of the readers 308 b and the write gapsof the writers 306 b may be offset or unaligned to allow the tape head400 to dynamically tilt the second SGV module 300 b, as discussed above.Each of the 64 writers 306 b is configured to write data concurrently,and each of the 64 readers 308 b is configured to read dataconcurrently.

A plurality of servo readers 440 b are aligned with the readers 308 b.For instance, a first group or pair 438 a of two servo readers 440 b aredisposed at a first end 400 a of the fourth row 441 b, a second group orpair 438 b of two servo readers 440 b are disposed between the first set444 a of readers 308 b and the second set 444 b of readers 308 b, and athird group or pair 438 c of two servo readers 440 b are disposed at asecond end 400 b of the fourth row 441 b opposite the first end 400 a.While three groups 438 a, 438 b, 438 c of two servo readers 440 b areshown, each group 438 a, 438 b, 438 c may comprise a greater or lessernumber of servo readers 440 b. Furthermore, the third row 443 b ofwriters 306 b is spaced apart between the first set 444 a and second set444 b to accommodate for the space needed for the second pair 438 b ofservo readers 440 b.

Each of the 64 writers 306 b, 64 readers 308 b, and 6 servo readers 440b is surrounded by a first continuous surface 301 e of the module 300 b,a second continuous surface 301 f of the module 300 b, a thirdcontinuous surface 301 g of the module 300 b, and a fourth continuoussurface 301 h of the module 300 b, where the first, second, third, andfourth surfaces 301 e-301 h are connected together to form onecontinuous surface. In other words, the module 300 b comprising 64writers 306 b, 64 readers 308 b, and 6 servo readers 440 b is only onemodule, rather than two or more modules coupled together. As such, thedata elements 307 of the module 300 b are all disposed between onesubstrate and one closure, such as the substrate 304 and closure 302 ofFIGS. 3A-3B.

In some embodiments, the first SGV module 300 a writes data to and readverifies data from a tape when the tape moves in a first direction, suchas in the y-direction, and the second SGV module 300 b writes data toand read verifies data from a tape when the tape moves in a seconddirection opposite the first direction, such as in the -y-direction. Insuch embodiments, since only one SGV module 300 a or 300 b is writingand/or reading data at a time, the tape head 400 may be configured forupstream and downstream flying over the module 300 a, 300 b notcurrently in use. An example tape head or tape drive configured toenable upstream and/or downstream flying, as well as an example of awriter and a reader of a module being aligned along a center axis, isdescribed in co-pending patent application titled “Tape Drive Configuredto Enable Magnetic Media to Fly Above an Upstream or a DownstreamModule,” U.S. application Ser. No. 17/512,127, filed Oct. 27, 2021,assigned to the same assignee of this application, which is hereinincorporated by reference.

While the readers 308 a, 308 b and the writers 306 a, 306 b of each SGVmodule 300 a, 300 b are divided into two sets 442 a, 442 b, 444 a, 444b, each module 300 a, 300 b is one continuous module (i.e., not twomodules of 32 data elements connected together). Each SGV module 300 a,300 b has a total length 401 in the x-direction of at least 12 mm, suchas about 13 mm to about 14 mm, such as about 13.6 mm. The distance 403between the first servo reader 440 a of the first pair 436 a to thesecond servo reader 440 a of the third pair 436 c, and the distance 403between the first servo reader 440 b of the first pair 438 a to thesecond servo reader 440 b of the third pair 438 c, is less than thelength 401 of the first and SGV modules 300 a, 300 b and less than awidth of a tape. However, the distance 403 in some embodiments may beabout 5% to about 15% less than a width of the tape. Because each SGVmodule 300 a, 300 b comprises 64 writers 306 a, 306 b and 64 readers 308a, 308 b, the each SGV module 300 a, 300 b may span the entire width ofa tape, such as a tape having a width of about 0.5 inches, as each SGVmodule 300 a, 300 b has a length 401 greater than a width of a tape,which is discussed further below.

FIG. 4B illustrates a plan view of aspects of the SGV modules 300 a, 300b of the tape head 400 of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment. Thefirst and second modules 300 a, 300 b may be collectively referred to asSGV modules 300, the readers 308 a, 308 b may be collectively referredto as readers 308, the writers 306 a, 306 b may be collectively referredto as writers 306, and the servo readers 440 a, 440 b may becollectively referred to as servo readers 440.

FIG. 4B illustrates four data elements 307 disposed at the MFS of a chip450 of a SGV module 300, where each data element 307 comprises a writer306 and reader 308 pair. While only four data elements 307 are shown inFIG. 4B, each SGV module 300 comprises 64 writer 306 and reader 308pairs and six servo readers 440. As such, FIG. 4B is exemplary only, andthe number of data elements 307 is not intended to limiting with respectto FIG. 4B.

The chip 450 has a depth in the z-direction from the MFS to a surface450 a opposite the MFS of about 525 μm to about 575 μm, such as about555 μm. The data elements 307 are disposed at the MFS on the closure302. The chip 450 comprises the closure 302, and the closure 302 has adepth 464 in the z-direction extending from the MFS towards a surface302 a opposite the MFS of about 125 μm to about 150 μm, such as about135 μm.

Each data element 307 in each SGV module 300 is spaced apart a distance452 in the y-direction at the MFS of about 150 μm to about 200 μm, suchas about 175 μm. Comparatively, data elements in conventional modules oftape heads are spaced apart a distance of about 80 μm to about 85 μm,such as about 83 μm. In some embodiments, each data track of a tape,such as a 0.5 inch tape, has a track pitch about equal to the distance452 the data elements 307 are spaced apart, such as about 175 μm. Eachdata element 307 is further coupled to a plurality of bond pads that arerecessed from the MFS, where the writer 306 of each data element 307 iscoupled to a first bond pad 456 a and a second bond pad 456 b, and thereader 308 of each data element 307 is coupled to a third bond pad 458 aand a fourth bond pad 458 b. The first and second bond pads 456 a, 456 bmay be referred to herein as writer bond pads 456, and the third andfourth bond pads 458 a, 458 b may be referred to herein as reader bondpads 458. Each servo reader 440 can be similarly wired as a data element307 as shown; however, each servo reader 440 would comprise only twobond pads, such as the reader bond pads 458.

In some embodiments, all of the writer bond pads 456 of a SGV module 300are disposed in a first row 457 in the y-direction, and all of thereader bond pads 458 of the SGV module 300 are disposed in a second row459 parallel to the first row 457. The writer bond pads 456 are disposedat a different depth in the y-direction than the reader bond pads 458.Furthermore, the writer bond pads 456 are offset from the reader bondpads 458 in the y-direction. In other words, the writer bond pads 456are not aligned with the reader bond pads 458 in the z-direction or inthe y-direction, but rather, are stacked and staggered from one another.

The writer bond pads 456 are spaced a distance 454 in the z-directionfrom surface 302 a of the closure 302 of about 75 μm to about 85 μm,such as about 80 μm. The reader bond pads 458 are spaced a distance 466in the z-direction from the writer bond pads 456 of about 45 μm to about55 μm, such as about 50 μm. The reader bond pads 458 are further spaceda distance 468 in the z-direction from the second surface 450 b of thechip 450 of about 45 μm to about 55 μm, such as about 50 μm.Furthermore, each writer bond pad 456 is spaced from adjacent writerbond pads 456 a distance 470 in the y-direction of about 85 μm to about90 μm, such as about 87.5 μm, and each reader bond pad 458 is spacedfrom adjacent reader bond pads 458 the distance 470 in the y-directionof about 85 μm to about 90 μm, such as about 87.5 μm. Each writer bondpad 456 and each reader bond pad 458 has a length 472 in the z-directionof about 115 μm to about 125 μm, such as about 120 μm.

Two writer leads 460 connect the writer 306 of each data element 307 tothe two writer bond pads 456, and two reader leads 462 connect thereader 308 of each data element 307 to the two reader bond pads 458(i.e., one writer lead 460 and one reader lead 462 per writer bond pad456 and reader bond pad 458, respectively). Each writer lead 460 has alength in the z-direction of about 210 μm to about 220 μm, such as about215 μm. Each reader lead 462 has a length in the z-direction of about380 μm to about 390 μm, such as about 382 μm. In some embodiments, thewriter bond pads 456 and the reader bond pads 458 may be switched, inwhich case the writer leads 460 would have a greater length than thereader leads 462. Because the writer bond pads 456 and the reader bondpads 458 are stacked and staggered, the writer leads 460 and the readerleads 462 all have a reduced length compared to conventional modules. Assuch, the noise created by the writer and reader leads 460, 462 isreduced.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate the tape head 400 of FIGS. 4A-4B writing to atape 580, according to various embodiments. FIG. 5A illustrates a firstinbound wrap of the tape 580 (e.g., the tape 580 moving in the inbounddirection or x-direction), and FIG. 5B illustrates a first outbound wrapof the tape 580 (e.g., the tape 580 moving in the outbound direction or-x-direction). The tape 580 is disposed on a first roller 578 a and asecond roller 578 b, which are configured to move the 580 in the inboundand outbound direction. For the purposes of the descriptions of FIGS.5A-5B, it is assumed the tape 580 has a width in the y-direction of 0.5inches. The tape 580 is written to and/or read from in a serpentinemanner. Thus, while only the first outbound and first inbound wraps areshown, the tape head 400 will be disposed at a plurality of locationsover the tape 580.

The tape 580 comprises a plurality of data tracks (not shown) and threeservo tracks 582 a, 582 b, 582 c (collectively referred to as servotracks 582). The tape head 400 is configured to write data to and readdata from the plurality of data tracks, and the servo readers 440 of thetape head 400 are configured to read servo data or servo patterns, whichis discussed further below, from the servo tracks 582. As shown in FIGS.5A-5B, the tape head 400 is tilted from a central axis 522 about 1° toabout 12°, such as about 5°± about 1°, when writing data to or readingdata from the tape 580. While the tape head 400 is shown tilted in theclockwise direction, the tape head 400 may instead be tilted in thecounter-clockwise direction.

The first sets 442 a, 444 a of writer 306 a, 306 b and reader 308 a, 308b pairs of each SGV module 300 a, 300 b are disposed between the firstservo track 582 a and the second servo track 582 b, and the second sets442 b, 444 b of writer 306 a, 306 b and reader 308 a, 308 b pairs ofeach SGV module 300 a, 300 b are disposed between the second servo track582 b and the third servo track 582 c. The plurality of data tracks aredisposed between the first and second servo tracks 582 a, 582 b andbetween the second and third servo tracks 582 b, 582 c.

While not shown, the first groups 436 a, 438 a of servo readers 440 a,440 b are configured to read the first servo track 582 a, the secondgroups 436 b, 438 b of servo readers 440 a, 440 b are configured to readthe second servo track 582 b, and the third groups 436 c, 438 c of servoreaders 440 a, 440 b are configured to read the third servo track 582 c.As such, four servo readers 440 a, 440 b are configured to read fromeach of the servo tracks 582 a, 582 b, 582 c, as each SGV module 300 a,300 b comprises two servo readers 440 a, 440 b at each locationcorresponding to the servo tracks 582 a, 582 b, 582 c.

At least two servo readers 440 a, 440 b of the tape head 400 areconfigured to read servo data from each servo track 582 a, 582 b, 582 cat a time. For example, one servo reader 440 a from the first pair 436 aof the first SGV module 300 a and one servo reader 440 b from the firstpair 438 a of the second SGV module 300 b may read the first servo track582 a at the same time, or both servo readers 440 a from the first pair436 a of the first SGV module 300 a (or both servo readers 440 b of thefirst pair 438 a of the second SGV module 300 b) may read the firstservo track 582 a at the same time. While at least two servo readers 440a, 440 b of the tape head 400 are configured to read servo data fromeach servo track 582 a, 582 b, 582 c at a time, more than two servoreaders 440 a, 440 b may be of the tape head 400 are configured to readservo data from each servo track 582 a, 582 b, 582 c at a time. Forinstance, both servo readers 440 a, 440 b from both first groups 436 a,438 b may be configured to read servo data from the first servo track582 a.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the tape head 400 writes or reads data fromthe tape 580 in the first outbound direction (i.e., a leftmost positionof the tape head 400), the tape head 400 overhangs a first edge 580 a ofthe tape 580 a distance 574 of about 0.4 mm to about 0.8 mm in they-direction. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the tape head 400 writes or readsdata from the tape 580 in the first inbound direction (i.e., a rightposition of the tape head 400), the tape head 400 overhangs a secondedge 580 b of the tape 580 a distance 576 of about 0.4 mm to about 0.8mm in the -y-direction. As the tape head 400 continues to write data toand read data from the tape 580, the overhang of the tape head 400gradually lessens with each outbound and inbound wrap until the tapehead 400 is centered over the tape 580 (shown in FIG. 6B). When the tapehead 400 is centered over the tape 580, the tape head 400 overhangs boththe first edge 580 a and the second edge 580 b of the tape 580 adistance of about 0.15 inches to about 0.2 inches.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary servo pattern 600 of the tape 580 ofFIGS. 5A-5B, which may be utilized with the tape head 400 of FIGS.4A-4B, according to one embodiment. Similar to FIGS. 5A-5B, it isassumed the tape 580 has a width in the y-direction of 0.5 inches.

The servo pattern 600 has a width 684 from a first edge 581 a of theservo track 582 to a second edge 581 b of the servo track 582 of about88 μm. The servo pattern 600 comprises a first plurality of data lines686 a disposed in a V-like shape and a second plurality of data lines686 b disposed in a V-like shape, where the first plurality of datalines 686 a and the second plurality of data lines 686 b open towardsone another in a diamond-like shape. The first and second plurality ofdata lines 686 a, 686 b may be referred to as data lines 686. The firstplurality of data lines 686 a and the second plurality of data lines 686b are spaced apart a distance 688 of about 3 μm to about 5 μm at thefirst and second edges 581 a, 581 b of the servo track 582. In someembodiments, the first plurality of data lines 686 a are apart adistance of about 3 μm to about 5 μm at a central inflection or turningpoint 685 a, and the second plurality of data lines 686 b are apart adistance of about 3 μm to about 5 μm at a central inflection or turningpoint 685 b, line shown in FIG. 6B.

Each of the data lines 686 are disposed at about an 18° angle. Forexample, each of the data lines 686 extend from the inflection orturning points 685 a, 685 b at about an 18° angle. As compared toconventional servo patterns, the conventional servo patterns usuallyhave a greater width, such as a width of about 90 μm, and are disposedat a smaller angle, such as about 12°. The increased angle of 18° of theservo pattern 600 produces better position accuracy for high densitydata tracks.

FIG. 6B illustrates aspects of the tape head 400 of FIG. 4A reading theservo pattern 600 of FIG. 6A of the tape 580, according to oneembodiment. While the tape head 400 and the modules 300 a, 300 b are notfully shown in FIG. 6B, first data elements 307 a of the first module300 a and second data elements 307 b of the second module 300 b areshown. Furthermore, the first and second groups 436 a, 436 b of servoreaders 440 a of the first module 300 a are shown, and the first andsecond groups 438 a, 438 b of servo readers 440 b of the second module300 b are shown.

In FIG. 6B, lines 674 illustrate the tape head 400 being positioned inthe leftmost position above the tape 580, like shown in FIG. 5A, lines676 illustrate the tape head 400 being positioned in the rightmostposition above the tape 580, like shown in FIG. 5B, and lines 675illustrate the tape head 400 being positioned at a central positionabove the tape 580. The leftmost position of the tape head 400 shown bylines 674 illustrate the first outbound wrap of the tape 580, therightmost position of the tape head 400 shown by lines 676 illustratethe first inbound wrap of the tape 580, and the central position of thetape head 400 shown by lines 675 illustrate a last outbound or inboundwrap of the tape 580. As the tape head 400 writes in the serpentinemanner in additional wraps, the tape head 400 is positioned at one ormore locations between the leftmost position and the central positionwhen writing in the outbound direction 630 such that the tape head 400is laterally positioned or moved with respect to the tape in they-direction, and is positioned at one or more locations between therightmost position and the central position when writing in the inbounddirection 631 such that the tape head 400 is laterally positioned ormoved with respect to the tape in the -y-direction.

In some embodiments, when the tape head 400 moves in the outbounddirection 630, the first servo reader 440 o of the first group 436 a ofthe first module 300 a (and/or the first servo reader 440 o of thesecond group 436 b of the first module 300 a) (e.g., outbound servoreaders 440 o) are active, and when the tape head 400 moves in theinbound direction 631, the second servo reader 440 i of the first group436 a of the first module 300 a (and/or the second servo reader 440 i ofthe second group 436 b of the first module 300 a) (e.g., inbound servoreaders 440 i) are active.

Comparatively, in some embodiments, when the tape head 400 moves in theoutbound direction 630, the second servo reader 440 o of the first group438 a of the second module 300 b (and/or the second servo reader 440 oof the second group 438 b of the second module 300 b) (e.g., outboundservo readers 440 o) are active, and when the tape head 400 moves in theinbound direction 631, the first servo reader 440 i of the first group438 a of the second module 300 b (and/or the first servo reader 440 i ofthe second group 438 b of the second module 300 b) (e.g., inbound servoreaders 440 i) are active.

Due to the tape head tilt as discussed above, when the tape head 400 isin certain positions, some of the servo readers may not be over theservo pattern 600. Embodiments here provide for multiple servo readersin combination in those tape head positions, allowing for the servopattern 600 to be read, even when some servo readers are not over theservo pattern. The example tape head positions at lines 674, 675, and676 are further described below.

As shown by lines 674, when the tape head 400 is positioned in therightmost position above the tape 580, the first and second groups 436a, 436 b of servo readers 440 a of the first module 300 a may not bepositioned over the servo pattern 600. However, the first and secondgroups 438 a, 438 b of servo readers 440 b of the second module 300 bare positioned over the servo pattern 600. As such, when the tape head400 is positioned in the rightmost position above the tape 580, thefirst and second groups 438 a, 438 b of servo readers 440 b of thesecond module 300 b may be utilized to position the tape head 400accurately.

As shown by lines 676, when the tape head 400 is positioned in theleftmost position above the tape 580, the first and second groups 438 a,438 b of servo readers 440 b of the second module 300 b may not bepositioned over the servo pattern 600. However, the first and secondgroups 436 a, 436 b of servo readers 440 a of the first module 300 a arepositioned over the servo pattern 600. As such, when the tape head 400is positioned in the rightmost position above the tape 580, the firstand second groups 436 a, 436 b of servo readers 440 a of the firstmodule 300 a may be utilized to position the tape head 400 accurately.

As shown by lines 675, when the tape head 400 is positioned in thecentral position above the tape 580, both the first and second groups436 a, 436 b of servo readers 440 a of the first module 300 a and thefirst and second groups 438 a, 438 b of servo readers 440 b of thesecond module 300 b are positioned over the servo pattern 600. As such,when the tape 580 moves in the outbound direction 630, the outboundservo readers 440 o of both the first and second groups 436 a, 436 b ofthe first module 300 a and the first and second groups 438 a, 438 b ofthe second module 300 b may be active. When the tape 580 moves in theinbound direction 631, the inbound servo readers 440 i of both the firstand second groups 436 a, 436 b of the first module 300 a and the firstand second groups 438 a, 438 b of the second module 300 b may be active.

While not shown, when writing data to and/or reading data from the tape580 in a serpentine manner, the tape head 400 is positioned at one ormore additional locations between the leftmost position (shown by lines674) and the central position (shown by lines 675), as well as one ormore additional locations between the central position (shown by lines675) and the rightmost position (shown by lines 676). At the additionallocations, one or more servo readers 440 a, 440 b of each of the firstand second modules 300 a, 300 b may be disposed over the servo pattern600, and as such, any combination of servo reader 440 a, 440 bactivation discussed above may be utilized.

FIG. 7A illustrates a graph 700 showing mis-registration (nm) of thetape head 400 of FIGS. 4A-4B when tilted with respect to a tapeexperiencing TDS effects for 32 tracks of the tape, according to oneembodiment. The graph 700 illustrates only 32 tracks of a tape, whichmay be 32 tracks between the first and second groups 436 a, 436 b or 438a, 438 b of servo readers 440 a, 440 b, or between the second and thirdgroups 436 b, 436 c or 438 b, 438 c of servo readers 440 a, 440 b, ofthe tape head 400 of FIGS. 4A-4B.

In the graph 700, the tape head 400 is statically tilted about 5°. Line708 represents the tape head 400 being tilted an additional about 0.70°,line 706 represents the tape head 400 being tilted an additional about−0.71°, line 704 represents the tape head 400 being tilted an additionalabout −0.72°, and line 702 represents the tape head 400 being tilted anadditional about −0.73°. Thus, line 702 represents the tape head 400being tilted the greatest amount and line 708 represents the tape head400 being tilted the least amount.

As shown by the graph 700, when the tape head 400 is tilted anadditional about −0.73° (line 702), the tape head 400 may bemis-registered a maximum of about 37 nm at the outer tracks, but issubstantially aligned with the central tracks of the tape. When the tapehead 400 is tilted an additional about −(line 704), the tape head 400may be m is-registered a maximum of about 32 nm at the outer tracks, butis substantially aligned with the central tracks of the tape. When thetape head 400 is tilted an additional about −0.71° (line 706), the tapehead 400 may be m is-registered a maximum of about 25 nm at the outertracks, but is substantially aligned with the central tracks of thetape. When the tape head 400 is tilted an additional about 0.70° (line708), the tape head 400 may be mis-registered a maximum of about 20 nmat the outer tracks, but is substantially aligned with the centraltracks of the tape. As such, tilting the tape head an additional about0.70° helps mitigate mis-registration of the tape head 400 with respectto the tape when the tape has experience linear or non-linear TDSeffects.

FIG. 7B illustrates a graph 750 showing mis-registration (nm) of thetape head 400 of FIGS. 4A-4B when tilted with respect to a tapeexperiencing TDS effects when various different servo reader pairs orgroups 440 a, 440 b are used to position the tape head 400, according toone embodiment. In the graph 750, the tape head 400 is statically tiltedabout 5°±−1°.

Line 752 illustrates using the first pairs 436 a or 438 a or third pairs436 c or 438 c (e.g., the outer pairs) of servo readers 440 a, 440 b toposition the tape head 400. Line 754 illustrates using the second ormiddle pairs 436 b, 438 b of servo readers 440 a, 440 b to position thetape head 400. As shown by line 752, when the outer servo readers 440 a,440 b of either the first or third pairs 436 a, 436 c, 438 a, 438 c areused to position the tape head 400, the tape head 400 is fairlyaccurately positioned for tracks 0-12 and 52-64, but is mis-registeredabout nm to about 20 nm for the central tracks 13-51. Conversely, whenthe center servo readers 440 a, 440 b of the second pairs 436 b, 438 bare used to position the tape head 400, the tape head 400 is fairlyaccurately positioned for tracks 8-56, and is mis-registered about 10 nmto about 20 nm for only the outermost tracks 0-7 and 57-64. As such,when the tape experiences linear or non-linear TDS, the tape head 400may be more accurately positioned above a greater number of tracks whenthe center servo readers 440 a, 440 b of the second pairs 436 b, 438 bare selectively used in conjunction with the first or third outer pairsor groups of servo readers 436 a, 438 a, 436 c, 438 c to position thetape head 400.

Therefore, by utilizing one or more SGV modules each comprising 64writers, 64 readers, and three pairs of servo readers, a tape head canwrite to and read from each data track of a tape concurrently. Moreover,the tape head may be tilted to compensate for TDS effects. Because eachmodule comprises three pairs of servo readers, two or more servo readersmay be used when positioning the tape head, resulting in more accuratealignment of the tape head.

In one embodiment, a tape head comprises one or more modules, each ofthe one or more modules comprising: a first group of servo readersdisposed in a first row at a first end of the module, a first set of 32readers disposed in the first row adjacent to the first group of servoreaders, a second group of servo readers disposed in the first row, thefirst set of 32 readers being disposed between the first and secondgroups of servo readers, a second set of 32 readers disposed in thefirst row adjacent to the second group of servo readers, a third groupof servo readers disposed in the first row, the second set of 32 readersbeing disposed between the second and third groups of servo readers, and64 writers disposed in a second row parallel to the first row.

The 64 writers comprise a first set of 32 writers substantially alignedwith the first set of 32 readers, and a second set of 32 writerssubstantially aligned with the second set of 32 readers. The third groupof servo readers are disposed at a second end of the module opposite thefirst end. Each module has a length of at least 12 mm. Each of thereaders is spaced apart a distance of about 150 μm to about 200 μm. Eachof the writers is spaced apart a distance of about 150 μm to about 200μm. A tape drive comprises a controller, and the tape head coupled tothe controller. The controller is configured to control each modulewrite data to a tape using the 64 writers and to read verify the newlywritten data using the first and second sets of 32 readers. The tapehead is statically tilted about 5°.

In another embodiment, a tape head comprises a first module comprising:64 first readers disposed in a first row, 64 first writers disposed in asecond row adjacent to the first row, and a plurality of first servoreaders disposed in the first row, wherein at least two first servoreaders are disposed at a first end of the first row, at least two firstservo readers are disposed in a center of the first row, and at leasttwo first servo readers are disposed at a second end of the first rowopposite the first end. The tape head further comprises a second moduledisposed adjacent to the first module, the second module comprising: 64second readers disposed in a third row, 64 second writers disposed in afourth row adjacent to the third row, and a plurality of second servoreaders disposed in the third row, wherein at least two second servoreaders are disposed at a first end of the third row, at least twosecond servo readers are disposed in a center of the third row, and atleast two second servo readers are disposed at a second end of the thirdrow opposite the first end.

A first set of 32 first writers of the 64 first writers is substantiallyaligned with a first set of 32 first readers of the 64 first readers, asecond set of 32 first writers of the 64 first writers is substantiallyaligned with a second set of 32 first readers of the 64 first readers, athird set of 32 second writers of the 64 second writers is substantiallyaligned with a third set of 32 second readers of the 64 second readers,and a fourth set of 32 second writers of the 64 second writers issubstantially aligned with a fourth set of 32 second readers of the 64second readers. The at least two first servo readers disposed in thecenter of the first row are disposed between the first and second setsof 32 first readers, and wherein the at least two second servo readersdisposed in the center of the third row are disposed between the firstand second sets of 32 second readers. Each of the first and secondwriters comprise a write gap, wherein each of the first and secondreaders comprise a sensor, wherein the write gap of the first writers isoffset from the sensor of the first readers, and wherein the write gapof the second writers is offset from the sensor of the second readers.Each of the first and second writers are coupled to two writer bondingpads recessed from a media facing surface, and wherein each of the firstand second readers are coupled to two reader bonding pads recessed fromthe media facing surface. The writer bonding pads are recessed from themedia facing surface a first distance, and the reader bonding pads arerecessed from the media facing surface a second distance greater thanthe first distance. The writer bonding pads are offset a distance fromthe reader bonding pads in a direction parallel to the media facingsurface. A tape drive comprises the tape head.

In yet another embodiment, a tape drive comprises a tape head, the tapehead comprising a first module comprising: a first pair of servo readersdisposed in a first row at a first end of the first module, a first setof 32 readers disposed in the first row adjacent to the first pair ofservo readers, a second pair of servo readers disposed in the first rowadjacent to the first set of 32 readers, a second set of 32 readersdisposed in the first row adjacent to the second pair of servo readers,a third pair of servo readers disposed in the first row adjacent to thesecond set of 32 readers, and a first row of 64 writers disposedparallel to the first row. The tape head further comprises a secondmodule disposed adjacent to the first module, the second modulecomprising: a fourth pair of servo readers disposed in a third row at afirst end of the second module, a third set of 32 readers disposed inthe third row adjacent to the fourth pair of servo readers, a fifth pairof servo readers disposed in the third row adjacent to the third set of32 readers, a fourth set of 32 readers disposed in the third rowadjacent to the fifth pair of servo readers, a sixth pair of servoreaders disposed in the third row adjacent to the fourth set of 32readers, and a second row of 64 writers disposed parallel to the thirdrow.

The tape drive further comprises a controller configured to: control atleast two servo readers from the first pair and the fourth pair,collectively, to read servo data from a tape concurrently, control atleast two servo readers from the second pair and the fifth pair,collectively, to read servo data from the tape concurrently, and controlat least two servo readers from the third pair and the sixth pair,collectively, to read servo data from the tape concurrently. The firstand second modules each has a length of at least 12 mm. Each of thewriters of the first module are spaced apart a distance of about 150 μmto about 200 μm, wherein each of the readers of the first module arespaced apart a distance of about 150 μm to about 200 μm, wherein each ofthe writers of the second module are spaced apart a distance of about150 μm to about 200 μm, and wherein each of the readers of the secondmodule are spaced apart a distance of about 150 μm to about 200 μm. Thetape drive further comprises a controller configured to: control thefirst module to write data to a tape using the 64 writers and to readverify the newly written data using the first and second sets of 32readers, and control the second module to write data to a tape using the64 writers and to read verify the newly written data using the third andfourth sets of 32 readers.

In yet another embodiment, a tape drive comprises a tape head, the tapehead comprising one or more modules, each of the one or more moduleshaving a length of at least 12 mm, each of the one or more modulescomprising: at least one first servo reader disposed in a first row at afirst end of the module, a first set of readers disposed in the firstrow adjacent to the at least one first servo reader, at least one secondservo reader disposed in the first row, the first set of readers beingdisposed between the at least one first servo reader and the at leastone second servo reader, a second set of readers disposed in the firstrow adjacent to the at least one second servo reader, at least one thirdservo reader disposed in the first row, the second set of readers beingdisposed between the at least one second servo reader and the at leastone third servo reader, and a plurality of writers disposed in a secondrow parallel to the first row. The tape drive further comprises acontroller coupled to the tape head, the controller configured tocontrol each module to write data to a tape using the plurality ofwriters and to read verify the newly written data using the first andsecond sets of readers.

Each of the plurality of writers are coupled to two writer bonding padsrecessed from a media facing surface, and wherein each reader of thefirst set, the second set, and third set of readers are coupled to tworeader bonding pads recessed from the media facing surface. The writerbonding pads are recessed from the media facing surface a firstdistance, and the reader bonding pads are recessed from the media facingsurface a second distance greater than the first distance. The writerbonding pads are offset a distance from the reader bonding pads in adirection parallel to the media facing surface. The controller isfurther configured to control each module to tilt about 1 degree toabout 12 degrees in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwisedirection.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

1. A tape head, comprising: one or more modules, each of the one or moremodules comprising: a first group of servo readers disposed in a firstrow at a first end of the module; a first set of 32 readers disposed inthe first row adjacent to the first group of servo readers; a secondgroup of servo readers disposed in the first row, the first set of 32readers being disposed between the first and second groups of servoreaders; a second set of 32 readers disposed in the first row adjacentto the second group of servo readers; a third pair of servo readersdisposed in the first row, the second set of 32 readers being disposedbetween the second and third groups of servo readers; and 64 writersdisposed in a second row parallel to the first row.
 2. The tape head ofclaim 1, wherein the 64 writers comprise a first set of 32 writerssubstantially aligned with the first set of 32 readers, and a second setof 32 writers substantially aligned with the second set of 32 readers.3. The tape head of claim 1, wherein the third group of servo readersare disposed at a second end of the module opposite the first end. 4.The tape head of claim 1, wherein each module has a length of at least12 mm.
 5. The tape head of claim 1, wherein each of the readers isspaced apart a distance of about 150 μm to about 200 μm, and whereineach of the writers is spaced apart a distance of about 150 μm to about200 μm.
 6. A tape drive comprising: a controller; and the tape head ofclaim 1 coupled to the controller.
 7. The tape drive of claim 6, whereinthe controller is configured to control each module write data to a tapeusing the 64 writers and to read verify the newly written data using thefirst and second sets of 32 readers.
 8. The tape drive of claim 6,wherein the tape head is statically tilted about 5 degrees.
 9. A tapehead, comprising: a first module comprising: 64 first readers disposedin a first row; 64 first writers disposed in a second row adjacent tothe first row; and a plurality of first servo readers disposed in thefirst row, wherein at least two first servo readers are disposed at afirst end of the first row, at least two first servo readers aredisposed in a center of the first row, and at least two first servoreaders are disposed at a second end of the first row opposite the firstend; and a second module disposed adjacent to the first module, thesecond module comprising: 64 second readers disposed in a third row; 64second writers disposed in a fourth row adjacent to the third row; and aplurality of second servo readers disposed in the third row, wherein atleast two second servo readers are disposed at a first end of the thirdrow, at least two second servo readers are disposed in a center of thethird row, and at least two second servo readers are disposed at asecond end of the third row opposite the first end.
 10. The tape head ofclaim 9, wherein a first set of 32 first writers of the 64 first writersis substantially aligned with a first set of 32 first readers of the 64first readers, a second set of 32 first writers of the 64 first writersis substantially aligned with a second set of 32 first readers of the 64first readers, a third set of 32 second writers of the 64 second writersis substantially aligned with a third set of 32 second readers of the 64second readers, and a fourth set of 32 second writers of the 64 secondwriters is substantially aligned with a fourth set of 32 second readersof the 64 second readers.
 11. The tape head of claim 10, wherein the atleast two first servo readers disposed in the center of the first roware disposed between the first and second sets of 32 first readers, andwherein the at least two second servo readers disposed in the center ofthe third row are disposed between the first and second sets of 32second readers.
 12. The tape head of claim 10, wherein each of the firstand second writers comprise a write gap, wherein each of the first andsecond readers comprise a sensor, wherein the write gap of the firstwriters is offset from the sensor of the first readers, and wherein thewrite gap of the second writers is offset from the sensor of the secondreaders.
 13. The tape head of claim 9, wherein each of the first andsecond writers are coupled to two writer bonding pads recessed from amedia facing surface, and wherein each of the first and second readersare coupled to two reader bonding pads recessed from the media facingsurface.
 14. The tape head of claim 13, wherein the writer bonding padsare recessed from the media facing surface a first distance, and thereader bonding pads are recessed from the media facing surface a seconddistance greater than the first distance.
 15. The tape head of claim 13,wherein the writer bonding pads are offset a distance from the readerbonding pads in a direction parallel to the media facing surface.
 16. Atape drive comprising the tape head of claim
 9. 17. A tape drivecomprising a tape head, the tape head comprising: a first modulecomprising: a first pair of servo readers disposed in a first row at afirst end of the first module; a first set of 32 readers disposed in thefirst row adjacent to the first pair of servo readers; a second pair ofservo readers disposed in the first row adjacent to the first set of 32readers; a second set of 32 readers disposed in the first row adjacentto the second pair of servo readers; a third pair of servo readersdisposed in the first row adjacent to the second set of 32 readers; anda first row of 64 writers disposed parallel to the first row; and asecond module disposed adjacent to the first module, the second modulecomprising: a fourth pair of servo readers disposed in a third row at afirst end of the second module; a third set of 32 readers disposed inthe third row adjacent to the fourth pair of servo readers; a fifth pairof servo readers disposed in the third row adjacent to the third set of32 readers; a fourth set of 32 readers disposed in the third rowadjacent to the fifth pair of servo readers; a sixth pair of servoreaders disposed in the third row adjacent to the fourth set of 32readers; and a second row of 64 writers disposed parallel to the thirdrow.
 18. The tape drive of claim 17, further comprising a controllercoupled to the tape, wherein the controller is configured to: control atleast two servo readers from the first pair and the fourth pair,collectively, to read servo data from a tape concurrently, control atleast two servo readers from the second pair and the fifth pair,collectively, to read servo data from the tape concurrently, and controlat least two servo readers from the third pair and the sixth pair,collectively, to read servo data from the tape concurrently.
 19. Thetape drive of claim 17, wherein the first and second modules each has alength of at least 12 mm.
 20. The tape drive of claim 17, wherein eachof the writers of the first module are spaced apart a distance of about150 μm to about 200 μm, wherein each of the readers of the first moduleare spaced apart a distance of about 150 μm to about 200 μm, whereineach of the writers of the second module are spaced apart a distance ofabout 150 μm to about 200 μm, and wherein each of the readers of thesecond module are spaced apart a distance of about 150 μm to about 200μm.
 21. The tape drive of claim 17, further comprising a controllercoupled to the tape, wherein the controller is configured to: controlthe first module to write data to a tape using the 64 writers and toread verify the newly written data using the first and second sets of 32readers, and control the second module to write data to a tape using the64 writers and to read verify the newly written data using the third andfourth sets of 32 readers.
 22. A tape drive, comprising: a tape headcomprising: one or more modules, each of the one or more modules havinga length of at least 12 mm, each of the one or more modules comprising:at least one first servo reader disposed in a first row at a first endof the module; a first set of readers disposed in the first row adjacentto the at least one first servo reader; at least one second servo readerdisposed in the first row, the first set of readers being disposedbetween the at least one first servo reader and the at least one secondservo reader; a second set of readers disposed in the first row adjacentto the at least one second servo reader; at least one third servo readerdisposed in the first row, the second set of readers being disposedbetween the at least one second servo reader and the at least one thirdservo reader; and a plurality of writers disposed in a second rowparallel to the first row; and a controller coupled to the tape head,the controller configured to control each module to write data to a tapeusing the plurality of writers and to read verify the newly written datausing the first and second sets of readers.
 23. The tape drive of claim22, wherein each of the plurality of writers are coupled to two writerbonding pads recessed from a media facing surface, and wherein eachreader of the first set, the second set, and third set of readers arecoupled to two reader bonding pads recessed from the media facingsurface.
 24. The tape drive of claim 23, wherein the writer bonding padsare recessed from the media facing surface a first distance, and thereader bonding pads are recessed from the media facing surface a seconddistance greater than the first distance.
 25. The tape drive of claim23, wherein the writer bonding pads are offset a distance from thereader bonding pads in a direction parallel to the media facing surface.26. The tape drive of claim 22, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to control each module to tilt about 1 degree to about 12degrees in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction.